U.S. patent application number 17/272306 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for smart plant cultivation device and smart plant cultivation system using iot.
The applicant listed for this patent is SK MAGIC CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Seung Hun CHOI, Sun Muk CHOI, Oh Yong KWON, Jae Sung PARK.
Application Number | 20210204489 17/272306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005522261 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210204489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOI; Sun Muk ; et
al. |
July 8, 2021 |
SMART PLANT CULTIVATION DEVICE AND SMART PLANT CULTIVATION SYSTEM
USING IOT
Abstract
The present invention provides a smart plant cultivation device
and a smart plant cultivation system which, by using an Internet of
things (IoT) technology, can automatically configure a cultivation
environment according to a variety of plants, automatically perform
zoning control of a light source module, and monitor and record a
cultivation process of a plant through a user device.
Inventors: |
CHOI; Sun Muk; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; KWON; Oh Yong; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; CHOI;
Seung Hun; (Suwon-si, KR) ; PARK; Jae Sung;
(Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SK MAGIC CO., LTD |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005522261 |
Appl. No.: |
17/272306 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
April 10, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2019/004281 |
371 Date: |
February 27, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16Y 10/05 20200101;
A01G 9/028 20130101; A01G 24/48 20180201; G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G06Q 50/02 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101; A01G 7/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/02 20060101
A01G009/02; A01G 7/04 20060101 A01G007/04; A01G 24/48 20060101
A01G024/48; G05B 15/02 20060101 G05B015/02; G16Y 10/05 20060101
G16Y010/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103055 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103056 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103057 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103058 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103059 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103060 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0103061 |
Claims
1. A plant cultivation device, comprising: a case having a
cultivation space; a tray disposed in the cultivation space and
provided with a plurality of capsule accommodation parts ("plural
capsule accommodation parts") on which plural capsules are placed;
a sensor module that senses the plural capsules and generates
sensing information; a light source module that emits light into
the cultivation space; a culture medium module for feeding a
culture medium on the tray; an air conditioning module that
executes at least one operation of re-feeding (or recycling) a gas
in the cultivation space or feeding external air to the cultivation
space; and a control module that receives sensing information
transmitted from the sensor module and controls at least one of the
light source module, the culture medium module and the air
conditioning module using the sensing information, wherein a seed
to determine species thereof is received in each of the plural
capsules, each of the plural capsule accommodation parts has an
active state in which at least one of the plural capsules is
accommodated and an inactive state in which at least one of the
plural capsules is not accommodated, and the sensing information
includes species information on species of each of the plural
capsules and accommodation information on the state of each of the
plural capsule accommodation parts.
2. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the
control module controls the light source module using the species
sensing information such that an illumination value of the
cultivation space becomes an average of desirable illuminations of
the plural capsules.
3. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the
control module uses the species sensing information and implements
at least one operation selected from: control of the culture medium
module such that a concentration of the culture medium fed to the
tray becomes an average of desirable concentrations of the culture
media in the plural capsules; control of the culture medium module
such that a feeding cycle of the culture medium fed to the tray
becomes an average of desirable feeding cycles of the culture media
in the plural capsules; and control of the culture medium module
such that a feeding amount of the culture medium fed to the tray
becomes an average of desirable feeding amounts of the culture
media in the plural capsules.
4. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the
control module controls the air conditioning module using the
species information such that a temperature of the gas in the
cultivation space becomes an average of desirable temperatures of
the plural capsules.
5. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the
light source module includes plural lamps, and the plural lamps are
grouped into a plurality of lamp groups, while the control module
independently controls the plural lamp groups using the state
sensing information.
6. The plant cultivation device according to claim 5, wherein,
among the plural lamps, the lamps having the same capsule
accommodation parts facing each other ("mutually-facing capsule
accommodation parts") among the plural capsule accommodation parts
undergo grouping.
7. The plant cultivation device according to claim 6, wherein the
plural capsule accommodation parts are arranged in a plurality of
rows and a plurality of columns, and wherein, among the plural
lamps, the lamps positioning in a row, on which the same
mutually-facing capsule accommodations among the plural capsule
accommodation parts are present, undergo grouping or, otherwise,
the lamps positioning in a column, on which the same
mutually-facing capsule accommodation parts among the plural
capsule accommodation parts are present, undergo grouping.
8. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 1.
9. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 2.
10. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 3.
11. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 4.
12. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 5.
13. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 6.
14. A plant cultivation system including the plant cultivation
device according to claim 7.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a smart plant cultivation
device and a smart plant cultivation system using IOT.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Internet of Things (IoT) represents a technology that
enables people to interact with information between a person and
things or between things based on the Internet. A sensor and a
communication module are built in different things (or objects) to
be connected to the Internet. IOT allows objects connected to the
internet to exchange information to each other, analyze the same
and provide the learned information to the user, or allows the user
to remotely monitor and control objects through the internet.
[0003] As such IOT technology is developed, construction of a smart
home is becoming realized. Smart home refers to a technology in
which all devices in a home including home appliances such as TV,
air conditioner, refrigerator, etc., energy consumption devices
such as water, electricity, lighting, heating and/or cooling
devices, security devices such as door lock and CCTV, etc., are
connected to the internet and can be remotely monitored and
controlled by a user.
[0004] A plant cultivation device is a device that artificially
controls environment of a cultivation space and grow seeds or
seedling into mature plants. For instance, a plant cultivation
device may create artificial illumination environment by electronic
control of a light source module, create artificial moisture and
nutrient environments by electronic control of a culture medium
module, and also create artificial air stream environment and warm
or heat environments.
[0005] Meanwhile, according to the needs of consumers who desire a
well-being life and a high quality foodstuff, a plant cultivation
device useable as a household appliance is recently introduced in
the market.
[0006] However, a typical plant cultivation device used in a house
encounters problems in which desired cultivation environments
cannot be preset in consideration of species or kinds of the
plants, zoning of the light module cannot be controlled, no means
for intuitionally monitoring the grow of a plant and then recording
(making a database) by the user is not included.
[0007] [Prior Art Document] [0008] Korean Patent Laid-Open
Publication No. 10-2017-0125783 (laid-open on Nov. 15, 2017)
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem to be Solved
[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a smart
plant cultivation device and a smart plant cultivation system using
IOT technology, each of which automatically sets desired
cultivation environments according to species of cultivated plants,
automatically performs zoning control of a light source module, and
may monitor and record a plant growing process using IoT.
[0010] Objects to be solved by the present invention are not
particularly limited to the above one, other objects not mentioned
herein will also be obviously understood by those skilled in the
art from the following description.
Technical Solution
[0011] The plant cultivation device according to an aspect of the
present invention to solve the above problems may include: a case
having a cultivation space; a tray disposed in the cultivation
space and provided with a plurality of capsule accommodation parts
on which plural capsules are placed; a sensor module that senses
the plural capsules and generates sensing information; a light
source module that emits light into the cultivation space; a
culture medium module for feeding a culture medium on the tray; an
air conditioning module that executes at least one operation of
re-feeding (or recycling) a gas in the cultivation space or feeding
external air to the cultivation space; and a control module that
receives sensing information transmitted from the sensor module and
controls at least one of the light source module, the culture
medium module and the air conditioning module using the sensing
information.
[0012] The sensing information may include species sensing
information on each species of plants in the plural capsules.
[0013] The control module may control the light source module using
the species sensing information such that an illumination value of
the cultivation space becomes an average of desirable illuminations
of the plural capsules.
[0014] The control module may use the species sensing information
and implement at least one operation selected from: control of the
culture medium module such that a concentration of the culture
medium fed to the tray becomes an average of desirable
concentrations of the culture media in the plural capsules; control
of the culture medium module such that a feeding cycle of the
culture medium fed to the tray becomes an average of desirable
feeding cycles of the culture media in the plural capsules; and
control of the culture medium module such that a feeding amount of
the culture medium fed to the tray becomes an average of desirable
feeding amounts of the culture media in the plural capsules.
[0015] The control module may use the species sensing information
and implement the air conditioning module such that a temperature
of gas in the cultivation space becomes an average of desirable
temperatures in the plural capsules.
[0016] Each of the plural capsule accommodation parts may be in an
active state in which at least one of the capsules is accommodated
and in an inactive state in which at least one of the capsules is
not accommodated, while the sensing information may include state
sensing information on the state of each capsule accommodation
part.
[0017] The light source module may include plural lamps, and the
plural lamps may be grouped into a plurality of lamp groups, while
the control module may independently control the plural lamp groups
using the state sensing information.
[0018] With regard to the plural lamps, lamps having the same
capsule accommodation parts facing each other ("mutually-facing
capsule accommodation parts") among the plural capsule
accommodation parts may undergo grouping.
[0019] The plural capsule accommodation parts may be arranged in
plural rows and plural columns. With regard to the plural lamps,
lamps positioning in a row on which the same mutually-facing
capsule accommodation parts among the plural capsule accommodation
parts are present, may undergo grouping or, otherwise, lamps
positioning in a column on which the same mutually-facing capsule
accommodation parts among the plural capsule accommodation parts
are present, may undergo grouping.
[0020] The plant cultivation system according to an aspect of the
present invention to solve the above problems may include: plural
capsules; the plant cultivation device in which the plural capsules
are accommodated; a user device communicating with the plant
cultivation device, wherein the user device may display cultivation
information image based on the sensing information of the plant
cultivation device.
Effect of Invention
[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a
plant cultivation system that automatically sets cultivation
environments according to species of the plant, and may
intuitionally monitor a plant cultivation process using application
("App") stored in a smartphone and then record the same.
[0022] Effects of the present invention are not particularly
limited to the above effects, and other effects not mentioned
herein will be obviously understood by those skilled in the art
from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plant
cultivation system of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a capsule of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a state before a cover of
the capsule of the present invention is opened (FIG. 3(1)), a state
after the cover of the capsule of the present invention is opened
(FIG. 3(2)), and a portion of the cover, on which a recognition
unit is disposed (FIG. 3(3)).
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plant
cultivation device of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a
door is opened in the plant cultivation device.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the capsule
inserted into a tray of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the tray of the
present invention after removing a top plate from the same.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating zoning control
of a light source module of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a graph showing variation in intensity of
illumination of natural light over time.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a graph showing variation in intensity of
illumination of the cultivation space according to dimming control
of the light source module.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a glare
occurrence condition.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating that the plural
lamps are grouped and controlled independently in the glare
occurrence condition
[0035] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating illumination
growth control of light source module.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a refill port of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the culture
medium module and the air conditioning module of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the culture
medium module of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the air conditioning
module of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cultivation
information image (app list) provided by the user device according
to the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention and the
manner of achieving them will become apparent by means of the
embodiments described in detail below with reference to the
accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are
provided only to complete the description of the present invention
and to fully introduce the scope of the present invention to those
skilled in the art, to which the present invention pertains.
Therefore, the present invention is only defined by the appended
claims.
[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of
illustrating embodiments and is not intended to limit the present
invention. In the present specification, a singular form also
includes plural forms unless specified otherwise in the
specification. The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" used in
the specification do not exclude the present of addition of one or
more other elements in addition to the stated element. The same
reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout
the specification, and "and/or" includes each and all combinations
of one or more of the elements mentioned herein. Although "first",
"second" and the like are used to describe different components, it
is of course understood that these components are not limited by
the above terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one
component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned
below may be also a second component within the technical scope of
the present invention.
[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein may be used in a sense that is
commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the
present invention pertains. In addition, terms commonly used and
defined in a dictionary are not ideally or excessively interpreted
unless explicitly defined otherwise.
[0044] The spatially relative terms such as "below", "beneath",
"lower", "above" and "upper", etc. may be used to easily describe a
correlation between an element and other elements. Such spatially
relative terms should be understood in terms of the directions
shown in the drawings, including the different directions of
components at the time of use or operation. For example, when
inverting an element shown in the figures, an element described as
"below" or "beneath" of another element may be placed "above"
another element. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both
downward and upwards directions. The components can also be
oriented in different directions so that the spatially relative
terms can be interpreted according to orientation.
[0045] Hereinafter, a plant cultivation system 1000 of the present
invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1
is a conceptual diagram illustrating a plant cultivation system of
the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a
capsule of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a plan view
illustrating a state before a cover of the capsule of the present
invention is opened (FIG. 3(1)), a state after the cover of the
capsule of the present invention is opened (FIG. 3(2)), and a
portion of the cover, on which a recognition unit is disposed (FIG.
3(3)); FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plant
cultivation device of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a
perspective view illustrating a state in which a door is opened in
the plant cultivation device; FIG. 6 is a perspective view
illustrating the capsule inserted into a tray of the present
invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the tray of
the present invention after removing a top plate from the same;
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating zoning control of a
light source module of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a graph
showing variation in intensity of illumination of natural light
over time; FIG. 10 is a graph showing variation in intensity of
illumination of the cultivation space according to dimming control
of the light source module; FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram
illustrating a glare occurrence condition; FIG. 12 is a conceptual
diagram illustrating that the plural lamps are grouped and
controlled independently in the glare occurrence condition; FIG. 13
is a conceptual diagram illustrating illumination growth control of
light source module; FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a
refill port of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a perspective view
illustrating the culture medium module and the air conditioning
module of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram
illustrating the culture medium module of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the air conditioning module of
the present invention; and FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram
illustrating a cultivation information image (app list) provided by
the user device according to the present invention.
[0046] The plant cultivation system 1000 of the present invention
may include a capsule 100, a plant cultivation device 200, a user
device 300 and a server 400. In the plant cultivation system 1000
of the present invention, internet of things (IoT) may be applied,
and a plant cultivation device 200 to automatically control a
cultivation environment of the plant 200 on the basis of sensing
information of the capsule 100 is provided. Further, the user can
monitor a plant cultivation process in real time through the user
device 300 and, at the same time, cultivation record may be stored
in the user device 300 in the form of database. Further, the user
may remotely control the plant cultivation device 200 through the
user device 300 in order to customize the cultivation environment
of the plant.
[0047] The capsule 100 may be a component in which the seed 150 is
packaged. In this case, the seed 150 may be a concept that includes
nursery plants germinated by seeds, as well as seeds at their own
meanings. The type of capsule 100 may vary depending on the seed
species. That is, a single seed to determine the type of capsule
100 may be put in each of the plural capsules 100. In this case,
the above expression means that the plural capsules 100 accommodate
one kind of seeds, and does not mean that only a single seed 150 is
accommodated in the plural capsules 100. Meanwhile, the user may
select and purchase the kinds (hereinafter, referred to as
"species") of capsules 100 in a market place according to their
preference.
[0048] The capsule 100 may be disposed in the tray 220 of the plant
cultivation device 200. Seeds or seedlings in the capsule 100 may
be cultured and matured in the cultivation space s1 of the plant
cultivation device 200.
[0049] The species of the capsule 100 may be sensed (wirelessly
recognized) by the sensor module 280 of the plant cultivation
device 200. In this case, various kinds of methods may be used as a
wireless recognition method.
[0050] For example, the capsule 100 may be wirelessly recognized by
an RFID (radio frequency identification) method. However, the
present invention is not limited thereto and diverse methods such
as bar code, QR-code (Quick Response code), NFC (Near Field
Communication), etc. may be used for wireless recognition of the
capsule 100.
[0051] As described above, the species of the capsule 100 may be
identified by the sensor module 270, whereby the sensor module 270
can generate "species information".
[0052] The capsule 100 may include a cover 110, a recognition unit
120, a frame 130, an accommodation part 140 and a seed 150.
[0053] The cover 110 may be disposed on an upper side of the upper
frame 131 of the frame 130. The cover 110 may cover an open portion
of the upper frame 131 of the frame 130.
[0054] The cover 110 may include a first cover 111 and a second
cover 112. The first cover 111 may be a portion that is preserved
when a seed cap, that is, the capsule 100 is opened. The first
cover 111 may be arranged approximately in a ring form along the
upper frame 131 of the frame 130.
[0055] The first cover 111 may include a main body 111-1 and an
additional region 111-2 protruding radially inward from the main
body 111-1 of the first cover 111. The main body 111-1 of the first
cover 111 may be disposed on a top surface of a main body 131-1 of
the upper frame 131, while the additional region 111-2 of the first
cover 111 may be disposed on a top surface of a support part 131-2
of the upper frame 131.
[0056] The second cover 112 may be a portion that is removed when
the capsule 100 is opened. In order to remove the second cover 112,
a boundary between the second cover 112 and the first cover 111 may
be formed with an easy-cut.
[0057] The second cover 112 may be located approximately at the
open portion of the upper frame 131 of the frame 130. The second
cover 112 may include a circular main body 112-1 and a protrusion
112-2 protruding outward from the main body 112-1 of the second
cover 112. At least a part of the protrusion 112-2 of the second
cover 112 may overlap with the first cover 111. In this regard, at
least a part of the protrusion 112-2 of the second cover 112 may
overlap with not only the main body 111-1 of the first cover 111
but also the additional region 111-2 of the first cover 111 in a
vertical direction. On the other hand, after gripping the
protrusion 112-2 of the second cover 112, the user can remove the
second cover by pulling the protrusion 112-2 of the second cover
112. In order to easily grip the protrusion 112-2 of the second
cover 112, the protrusion 112-2 of the second cover 112 may be in a
state not adhered to the first cover 111. That is, a bottom surface
of the protrusion 112-2 of the second cover 112 may be separated
from the top surface of the first cover 111.
[0058] The recognition unit 120 may be a portion that is recognized
by the sensor module 270 of the plant cultivation device 200. When
a RFID system is used as a recognition method of the capsule 110,
the recognition unit 120 may be a "Tag".
[0059] In this regard, the recognition unit 120 may include an
"integrated circuit (IC) chip" in which the "species information"
of the capsule 100 is stored, a "wireless communication unit" for
wireless communication with the sensor module 270, and a printed
circuit board (PCB) on which the "IC chip" and the "wireless
communication unit" are mounted. As the PCB board, for example, a
flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be used.
[0060] In addition, a variety of sensing methods may be used for
recognition of the capsule 110. For example, there is a method of
recognizing an inherent magnetic field generated by the capsule 100
using a hall-sensor. In this case, the recognition unit 120 of the
capsule 100 may be a magnetic body that generates inherent magnetic
field.
[0061] The recognition unit 120 may be disposed inside the first
cover 111 of the cover 110. That is, the recognition unit 120 may
be covered by the first cover 111 of the cover 110 and may not be
exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the user opens the
capsule 100, the recognition unit 120 may be preserved and sensed
by the sensor module 270 of the plant cultivation device 200.
[0062] The recognition unit 120 may be disposed in the main body
111-1 of the first cover 111 and the additional region 111-2 of the
first cover 111. In addition, the recognition unit 120 may be
disposed adjacent to the second cover 112. That is, a portion of
the recognition unit 120 positioned in the main body 111-1 of the
first cover 111 may be disposed radially inside the main body 111-1
of the first cover 111.
[0063] Meanwhile, the recognition unit 120 may be disposed at
different positions. For example, according to a modification of
the present invention, the recognition unit 120 may be disposed in
the frame 130. In this case, the recognition unit 120 may be
disposed inside a guide 134 of the frame 130.
[0064] The frame 130 may be a skeletal member of the capsule 110. A
material of the frame 130 may include synthetic resin. The frame
130 may be fabricated by "plastic injection molding". The
accommodation portion 140 may be formed inside the frame 130. The
cover 110 may be disposed on an upper portion of the frame 130.
[0065] The frame 130 may include an upper frame 131, a side frame
132 and a lower frame 133. The upper frame 131 and the lower frame
133 may be ring-shaped and may be spaced apart from each other in a
vertical direction (up and down direction). The upper frame 131 may
include a ring type main body 131-1 and a support 132-1 protruding
radially inward from the ring type main body 131-1. The side frame
132 may connect the upper frame 131 and the lower frame 133. The
side frame 132 may include a first side frame 132-1, a second side
frame 132-2 and a third side frame (not shown), which are spaced
from one another in a circumferential direction.
[0066] The frame 130 may include one top opening of the upper frame
131, one bottom opening of the lower frame 133, and three lateral
openings formed between the first to third side frames (132-1,
132-2 and not shown). Therefore, the accommodation part 140
disposed in the frame 130 may smoothly absorb external air and
moisture through the openings of the frame 130.
[0067] The frame 130 may be provided with a guide 134 which is
received in a guide receiving part 221-4 at the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1 of the plant cultivation device 200. In
this regard, the guide 134 of the frame 130 may protrude outward
from the bottom surface of the upper frame 131 and an outer
circumferential surface of the side frame 132. The guides 134 of
the plural frames 130 may be spaced apart from one another in the
circumferential direction, whereby the guides 134 can be disposed
on at least two of the first side frame 132-1, the second side
frame 132-2 and the third side frame (not shown), respectively.
[0068] The receiving part 140 may be a portion such as a soil in a
natural state that receives the seeds 150. A material of the
receiving part may include an air-permeable material or a
water-absorbable material. For example, the material of the
receiving part 140 may include a porous sponge material but is not
limited thereto.
[0069] The plant cultivation device 200 may be a device for
cultivating a plant by presetting cultivation environments through
electronic control. Further, the present invention provides a plant
cultivation device 200 that can automatically set desired
cultivation environments according to species of cultivated plants
and enable control of various lightings by application of IoT
technology.
[0070] The plant cultivation device 200 may include a case 210, a
tray 220, a light source module 230, a camera module 240, a culture
medium module 250, an air conditioning module 260, a sensor module
270, a sensor unit 280 and a control module (not shown). Such
components of the plant cultivation device 200 may be omitted under
different design requests.
[0071] The case 210 may be a component to form appearance of the
plant cultivation device 200. The case may be provided with a
cultivation space s1 in which plants are cultivated, an additional
space s2 located below the cultivation space s1, a first space s3
located above the cultivation space s1, and a second space s4
located behind the cultivation space s1.
[0072] The cultivation space s1 may exist in plural. For example,
as shown in FIG. 3, two cultivation spaces s1 laminated to each
other may be provided in the plant cultivation device 200.
[0073] When the cultivation space s1 is present in plural, each may
be provided with the tray 220, the light source module 230 and the
camera module 240. That is, the tray 220, the light source module
230 and the camera module 240 may be provided in the same number as
the cultivation space s1.
[0074] The tray 220, the light source module 230 and the camera
module 240 may be disposed in the cultivation space s1 of the case
210. In this case, the tray 220 may be disposed on the bottom
surface (lower portion) of the cultivation space s1 of the case 210
while the light source module 230 and the camera module 240 may be
disposed on a ceil surface (upper portion) of the cultivation space
s1 of the case 210 (see FIG. 5(1))
[0075] Meanwhile, the additional space s2 may be a simple storage
space or a space for storing cultivated plants. Otherwise, the
additional space s2 may be a space in which the plural capsules 100
are stored and cultured to germinate seeds 150 contained in the
plural capsules 100. If the additional space s2 is a space for
storing cultivated plants, a temperature of the additional space s2
may be automatically controlled or customized. Further, a separate
temperature control module may be added or the temperature may be
controlled through the air conditioning module 260. Alternatively,
if the additional space s2 is a space where the seeds 150 contained
in the plural capsules 100 are germinated, a temperature and an
intensity of illumination (abbrev. to "illumination") of the
additional space s2 may be automatically controlled or customized.
Alternatively, a separate temperature control module may be added
or the temperature may be controlled through the air conditioning
module 260. In addition, a separate light source module may be
added.
[0076] Meanwhile, the first space s3 and the second space s4 may be
connected to each other, and the culture medium module 250 may be
located in the first space s3 and the second space s4, while the
air conditioning module 260 may be located in the second space
s4.
[0077] The case 210 may include a main body 211 and a door 212. The
main body 211 of the case 210 may have a hollow rectangular shape
with approximately open front portion. The cultivation space s1 and
the additional space s2 may be formed in a hollow portion of the
main body 211 of the case 210, while the first space s3 may be
formed on an upper portion of the main body 211 of the case 210.
Further, the second space s3 may be formed in the rear of the main
body 211 of the case 210.
[0078] The main body 211 of the case 210 may be sliding-coupled to
the tray 220. To this end, a rail 211-1 may be provided on an inner
surface of the main body 211 of the case 210.
[0079] The front open portion of the main body 211 of the case 210
may be opened or closed by the door 212 of the case 210. Further, a
sealing member (e.g., a gasket) may be disposed at a contact
portion between the main body 211 of the case 210 and the door 212.
As a result, airtightness of the cultivation space s1 can be
maintained (isolation from the outside), thereby providing desired
cultivation environments of the plant independent from the
outside.
[0080] A window 212-1 is formed on the door 212 of the case 212 so
that the user can visually confirm the cultivation space s1.
Further, since illumination of the cultivation space s1 is set to a
high level in accordance with the plant cultivation environment
and, in order to prevent glare or ocular injury of the user, the
window 212-2 may be provided with a light diffusion coating, a
light absorption coating and/or a light reflection coating.
[0081] The tray 220 may be disposed in the cultivation space s1 of
the main body 211 of the case 210. The tray 220 may be provided in
plural. Specifically, the number of trays 220 may be the same as
the number of the cultivation spaces s1. In other words, a
plurality of trays 220 may correspond to a plurality of cultivation
spaces s1, respectively, such that one tray 220 is disposed in one
cultivation space s1.
[0082] The tray may be detachably coupled to the main body 211 of
the case 210 in a sliding manner. In this case, the tray 220 may
slide along the rail 211-1 of the main body 211 of the case 210. On
the other hand, the user may remove the tray 220 from the case 210
and clean, repair or replace the tray 220 (ease of maintenance and
management).
[0083] The tray 220 may include an upper plate 221, a lower plate
222, a side plate 223, a handle 224, a plurality of ridges 225, a
plurality of troughs 226 and a culture medium injection unit
227.
[0084] The upper plate 221 of the tray 220 may be spaced upward
from the lower plate 222 of the tray 220, and the side plate 223 of
the tray 220 may connect the upper plate 221 of the tray 220 and
the lower plate 222 of the tray 220.
[0085] By the upper plate 221 of the tray 220, the lower plate 222
of the tray 220 and the side plate 223 of the tray 220, a hollow
culture medium chamber c may be formed inside the tray 220.
[0086] The plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1, on which a
plurality of capsules 100 is arranged, may be formed on the upper
plate 221 of the tray 220. In this regard, each of the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1 may be configured of a hole
penetrating the upper plate 221 of the tray 220 and a peripheral
region thereof.
[0087] As a result, the plural capsules 100 may be accommodated at
the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 to be exposed to the
inside (culture medium chamber) of the tray 220, thereby absorbing
the culture medium in the culture medium chamber c of the tray 220.
The plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 of the tray 220 may be
arranged along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns on
the upper plate of the tray 220 (see FIG. 8, matrix
arrangement).
[0088] Each of the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 may
include a hole 221-2, a support 221-3 protruding inward while
forming a step downward in the hole 221-2, and a guide receiving
part 221-4 formed in the support 221-3.
[0089] In the hole 221-2 of each capsule accommodation part 221-1,
each of the plural capsules 110 may be inserted, while the support
221-3 of each capsule accommodation part 221-1 may support the
upper frame 131 of each capsule 110 to thus secure the capsule 110.
Further, in the guide receiving part 221-4 of each capsule
accommodation part 221-1, the guide 134 of each capsule 100 may be
received to guide the inserted capsule 100. The guide receiving
part 221-4 of each capsule accommodation part 221-1 may be present
in plural so as to correspond to a plurality of guides 134 of each
capsule 110, respectively. That is, the number of the guide
receiving parts 221-4 of each capsule accommodation part 221-1 is
equal to the number of the plural guides 134 of each capsule 100,
wherein the guide receiving parts and the guides may be spaced
apart from each other and arranged in the circumferential
direction.
[0090] Each capsule accommodation part 221-1 may be in an "active
state" in which at least one of the plural capsules 100 is
accommodated or in an "inactive state" in which at least one of the
plural capsules 100 is not accommodated therein. That is, the user
can arrange the plural capsules 110 at any one of the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1. In this case, any one of the
plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1, in which at least one of
the plural capsules 100 is accommodated, may become the "active
state". On the other hands, any one of the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1, in which at least one of the plural
capsules 100 is not accommodated, may become the "inactive
state".
[0091] Meanwhile, only one capsule 100 may be accommodated in each
of the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1. That is, the
capsule accommodation parts in the active state among the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1 may correspond to the plural
capsules 110 one to one.
[0092] Further, the upper plate 221 of the tray 220 may be arranged
to face the light source module 230 in a vertical direction (up and
down direction). As a result, the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1 of the tray 220 may also be arranged to face the light
source module 230 in the vertical direction (up and down
direction). At a bottom surface of the upper plate 221 of the tray
220, the sensor module 270 to sense the plural capsules 110 may be
disposed.
[0093] The side plate 223 of the tray 220 may be provided with a
feed channel 223-1 to supply the culture medium from the culture
medium module 240. Further, the lower plate 222 or the side plate
223 of the tray 220 may be provided with a culture medium discharge
channel 223-2 to discharge the culture medium of the culture medium
chamber c. On the other hand, the discharge channel 223-2 may be
provided with a mesh filter capable of filtering foreign substances
or impurities (such as twigs of plants) in the culture medium
discharged from the culture medium chamber c. As will be described
later, with regard to the plant cultivation device 200 of the
present invention, since at least a part of the culture medium
circulates, the above configuration may be provided to prevent a
flow path from being obstructed by the foreign substances in the
circulation process.
[0094] The handle 224 of the tray 220 may be disposed at the end of
a front portion of the lower plate 222 of the tray 220. The user
may grip the handle 224 of the tray 220 and then move the tray 220
in a sliding manner, whereby the tray 220 can be mounted on the
case 210 or isolated from the case 210, or a part of the tray 220
may be exposed. Meanwhile, the user may arrange the plural capsules
100 on the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 of the tray 220
while exposing a part of the tray 220.
[0095] The upper plate 221 of the tray 220 may include: a plurality
of ridges 225 that corresponds to a plurality of columns, on which
the plural accommodation parts 221-1 are disposed, one to one; and
a plurality of troughs 226 caved and disposed between the ridges
225.
[0096] Each of the ridges 225 may be formed along at least a part
of the periphery of the corresponding one of the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1. Therefore, as compared to the troughs
226, the capsule accommodation parts 221-1 may have a relatively
higher height with respect to the vertical direction.
[0097] Further, each of the ridges 225 may include an inclined part
225-1 which is inclined upward to the corresponding one of the
plurality of columns, on which the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1 are disposed. In this regard, the inclined part 225-1
may include a first inclined portion 225-2 and a second inclined
portion 225-3 that extend along the corresponding one of the
plurality of rows, on which the plural capsule accommodation parts
221-1 are disposed, and are arranged in parallel to each other.
[0098] The inclined parts 225-1 of the ridges 225 may reflect light
emitted from the light source module 230 toward neighboring capsule
accommodation parts 221-1, thereby performing a function of
improving light efficiency.
[0099] The culture medium injection unit 227 may include a
plurality of injection pipes 227-1, connection pipes 227-2 and
connection ports 227-3.
[0100] The plural injection pipes 227-1 may be disposed on the
bottom surface of the upper plate 221 of the tray 220.
Specifically, the injection pipes 227-1 may be disposed in close
contact with the bottom surface of the upper plate 221 of the tray
220.
[0101] The plural injection pipes 227-1 may be arranged in
one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of rows (otherwise,
according to design conditions in a modified example, the plural
injection pipes may be arranged in one-to-one correspondence with
the plurality of columns). Further, a plurality of injection
nozzles to inject the culture medium toward the side openings of
the plural capsules 100 may also be provided. In this case, the
injection nozzles may be arranged along a plurality of rows (in a
modified example, a plurality of columns) on which the plural
injection pipes 227-1 are disposed.
[0102] Meanwhile, with regard to the plant cultivation device 200
of the present invention, since the side opening portions of the
plural capsules 110 are a starting point where roots of the plants
are growing, the culture medium may be fed to all parts of root of
the plant by arrangement of the plural injection pipes 227-1 and an
injection direction thereof. Moreover, the plant cultivation device
200 of the present invention may prevent the supply of the culture
medium from being interrupted by the roots of neighboring
plants.
[0103] A plurality of rows (a plurality of columns in the modified
example) on which the plural injection pipes 227-1 are disposed,
and a plurality of rows (a plurality of columns in the modified
example) on which the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 are
disposed may not overlap with each other with respect to the
vertical direction. In other words, the plurality of rows (the
plurality of columns in the modified exampled) on which the plural
injection pipes 227-1 are disposed may be approximately arranged
between the plurality of rows (the plurality of columns in the
modified example) on which the plural capsule accommodation parts
221-1 are arranged. As a result, one of the injection pipes 227-1
may be sandwiched between two of the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1, and therefore, may be disposed adjacent to the above
two capsule accommodation parts.
[0104] In this regard, according to the plant cultivation device
200, in order to uniformly supply the culture medium to the roots
of all the plants, the plurality of injection nozzles may include:
a first injection nozzle to inject the culture medium to the
adjacent capsule accommodation parts at one side among the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1; and a second injection nozzle to
inject the culture medium to the adjacent capsule accommodation
parts at the other side among the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1, wherein the first injection nozzle and the second
injection nozzle may be provided in pairs.
[0105] The connection pipe 227-2 may be connected to the plural
injection pipes 227-1 at one side while being connected to the feed
channel 223-1 at the other side thereof. The connection pipe 227-2
may connect the plural injection pipes 227-1 and the feed channel
223-1 so as to provide a flow path through which the culture medium
in the culture medium module 250 can move to the plural injection
pipes 227-1. On the other hand, a single connection pipe 227-2 may
be provided and integrated with the plural injection pipes 227-1.
That is, the connection pipe 227-2 may be branched to form the
plural injection pipes 227-1.
[0106] The connection port 227-3 is arranged in perpendicular to
the connection pipe 227-2 while the feed channel 223-1 is disposed
above the same, whereby the connection port 227-3 may be connected
to the flow path of the feed channel 223-1 in a vertical direction.
For this purpose, the feed channel 223-1 may have a structure
curved or bent at a right angle. For example, the connection port
227-3 may extend downward from the connection pipe 227-2, the feed
channel 223-1 may include a main body and a docking part curved
upward from the main body of the feed channel 223-1, and the
connection port 227-3 may be docked on the docking part of the feed
channel 223-1 so as to be pressed downward. As a result, the
connection port 227-3 and the feed channel 223-1 may be securely
and tightly fastened to prevent leakage of the culture medium.
[0107] The light source module 230 may be a module for determining
an illumination environment of the cultivation space s1. That is,
the light source module 230 may determine an illumination of the
cultivation space s1. Specifically, the light source module 230 may
emit light in the cultivation space s1. For example, the light
emitted from the light source module 230 may be incident on a
lateral side of the cultivation space s1 and the upper plate 221 of
the tray 220 or the like.
[0108] The light source module 230 may be provided in plural. The
number of the light source modules 230 may be the same as the
number of the cultivation spaces s1. That is, the plural light
source modules 230 and the plural cultivation spaces s1 may
correspond one to one so that one light source module 230 may be
disposed in each cultivation space s1.
[0109] The light source module 230 may be disposed at a ceiling
surface (upper portion) of the cultivation space s1. Further, the
light source module 230 may include a substrate 231 and a plurality
of lamps 232 mounted on the substrate of the light source module
230. In this regard, the substrate 231 of the light source module
230 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), and the plurality of
lamps 232 may be a light emitting diode (LED) array.
[0110] On the other hand, a wavelength band of the light emitted
from the plural lamps 232 may be a white wavelength band, a red
wavelength band or a blue wavelength band. In order to implement
the wavelength band of natural light, among the plural lamps, a
ratio of lamps having the white wavelength band is the highest, a
ratio of lamps having the red wavelength band is the next highest,
and a ratio of lamps having the blue wavelength band is the
lowest.
[0111] The plural lamps 232 may be grouped into a plurality of lamp
groups for zoning control of the plural capsule accommodation parts
221-1 of the tray 220 or for control under glare occurring
conditions. In this regard, the plural lamps 232 may be grouped
into one or more numbers. That is, only one lamp 232 may be
included in a lamp group, or multiple lamps 232 may form one lamp
group.
[0112] The plural lamps 232 may be grouped in different manners.
For example, with regard to the plural lamps 232, the lamps having
the same mutually-facing capsule accommodation parts among the
plural capsule accommodation parts may undergo grouping. That is,
the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 and the plural lamp
groups 221-1 may be matched one-to-one (see FIG. 8(1), zoning
control in terms of one capsule accommodation part as a basic
unit).
[0113] Further, with regard to the plural lamps 232, the lamps
having the mutually-facing capsule accommodation parts, which are
disposed on the same row, among the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1, may undergo grouping. That is, a plurality of rows, on
which the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 are disposed,
and the plural lamp groups may be matched one-to-one (see FIG.
8(2), zoning control in terms of one row as a basic unit).
[0114] Further, with regard to the plural lamps 232, the lamps
having the mutually-facing capsule accommodation parts, which are
disposed on the same column, among the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1, may undergo grouping. That is, a plurality of columns,
on which the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 are disposed,
and the plural lamp groups may be matched one-to-one (see FIG.
8(3), zoning control in terms of one column as a basic unit).
[0115] Further, the plural lamps 232 may be grouped into a
plurality of lamp groups according to the wavelength band. In this
regard, the plurality of lamp groups may include a first lamp group
to emit light in a white wavelength band, a second lamp group to
emit light in a red wavelength band, and a third lamp group to emit
light in a blue wavelength band (for control on the basis of the
wavelength band under glare occurring condition)
[0116] The plurality of lamp groups may be independently controlled
by a control module (not shown). As described above, the plural
lamps 232 may be grouped into a plurality of lamp groups (matching
with the lamps at the capsule accommodation part) with reference to
the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1, so that the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1 are divided into a plurality of
zones, and the illumination environment of each of the plural zones
may be independently controlled by a specific lamp group matching
therewith (zoning control). Further, the plural lamps 232 may be
grouped on the basis of wavelength bands, and only a lamp group to
emit light in a wavelength band that is harmful to the user's eye
under glare conditions may be selectively controlled.
[0117] The camera module 240 may be a module for photographing the
cultivation space s1 in order to generate a "photographed image".
Specifically, the camera module 240 may be a module that
photographs the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1 and
generates a "photographed image". The "photographed image" in the
camera module 240 may be displayed on the user device 300 whereby
the user can monitor a cultivation process. To this end, the camera
module 240 may wirelessly communicate with the user device 300.
[0118] Further, the "photographed image" in the camera module 240
may be analyzed and treated in the control module (not shown),
thereby being processed into "plant cultivation information". For
example, the control module may analyze the "photographed image" in
the camera module 240 in order to calculate a leaf area of the
plant grown in each of the plural capsules 100, thereby producing
"plant growth information".
[0119] The camera module 240 may be disposed on the ceiling of the
cultivation space s1. In this regard, the camera module 240 may be
mounted on the substrate 231 of the light source module 230. The
camera module may be provided in plural. The number of the camera
modules 240 may be the same as the number of the cultivation spaces
s1. That is, the plural camera modules 240 and the plural
cultivation spaces s1 may correspond one to one, and one cameral
module may be disposed in each of the cultivation spaces s1.
[0120] The culture medium module 250 may be a module for supplying
the culture medium to the culture medium chamber c of the tray 220.
The culture medium module 250 may include a water tank 251, a
nutrient solution tank 252, a culture medium tank 253, a water line
254 and a refill port 255.
[0121] The water tank 251 may be disposed in a second space s4 of
the case 210 at a portion corresponding to the cultivation space
s1. The water tank 251 may be a tank where water is stored. The
water in the water tank 251 may be supplied to the culture medium
tank 253. The water tank 251 may be provided with a first water
level sensor 251-1 to sense a water level of the water tank 251.
The first water level sensor 251-1 may sense a level of water in
the water tank 251 and may alarm to inform the user when the water
level is lower than a reference value. As a result, the user can
check an amount of water stored in the water tank 251 in real time
and, when the remaining amount of water stored in the water tank
251 is less than the reference value, water is further supplied to
the water tank 251 through the refill port. On the other hand, the
water tank 251 may be located above the nutrient solution tank 252.
That is, a vertical phase (or position) of the water tank 251 may
be higher than the nutrient solution tank 252.
[0122] The nutrient solution tank 252 may be disposed in the second
space s4 of the case 210 at a portion corresponding to the
cultivation space s1. The nutrient solution tank 252 may be a tank
in which the nutrient solution is stored. The nutrient solution in
the nutrient solution tank 252 may be supplied to the culture
medium tank 252. The nutrient solution tank 252 may be provided
with a second level sensor 252-1 to sense a level of nutrient
solution in the nutrient solution tank 252. Specifically, the
second level sensor 252-1 may sense the level of nutrient solution
contained in the nutrient solution tank 252 and may alarm to inform
the user when the level of the nutrient solution is lower than a
reference value. As a result, the user can check an amount of the
nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 252 in real
time. If the residual amount of the nutrient solution stored in the
nutrient solution tank 252 is less than the reference value, the
user can further fill the nutrient solution tank 252 with the
nutrient solution through the refill port 255 (refill). On the
other hand, the nutrient solution tank 252 may be located below the
water tank 251. That is, a vertical phase of the nutrient solution
tank 252 may be lower than the water tank 251.
[0123] Meanwhile, according to a modified embodiment of the present
invention, the nutrient solution tank 252 may be manufactured in a
replaceable cartridge type (not shown). Therefore, the user can
replace the nutrient solution tank 252 when the residual amount of
the nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution tank 252 is
less than a reference value or the nutrient solution is
exhausted.
[0124] Further, the nutrient solution tank 252 may be provided in
plural depending on the kinds of the nutrient solution. For
example, two nutrient solution tanks 252 may be provided in order
to separately store a first nutrient solution and a second nutrient
solution, which contain different components respectively. Further,
the first nutrient solution and the second nutrient solution of the
two nutrient solution tanks 252 may be supplied to the culture
medium tank 253 (supplied independently without mixing together).
Further, a second level sensor 252-1 may be provided in each of the
two nutrient solution tanks 252, respectively.
[0125] The culture medium tank 253 may be disposed in the second
space s4 of the case 210 at a portion corresponding to the
additional space s2. The culture medium tank 253 may be a tank in
which the culture medium is stored. In the culture medium tank 253,
the water fed from the water tank 251 and the nutrient solution fed
from the nutrient solution tank 252 may be mixed together to form
the culture medium.
[0126] The culture medium of the culture medium tank 253 may be
supplied to the culture medium chamber c of the tray 220 in order
to provide moisture and nutrients to the plant under cultivation.
Further, the culture medium of the culture medium chamber c may be
discharged to the culture medium tank 253. That is, the culture
medium circulates in the culture medium tank 253 and the culture
medium chamber c, whereby some of the culture medium may be
absorbed into the plant. However, the present invention is not
limited to the above configuration, and at least a portion of the
culture medium in the culture medium chamber c may be discharged to
the outside.
[0127] A third level sensor 253-1 may be disposed in the culture
medium tank 253 in order to sense a level of the culture medium in
the culture medium tank 253. The third level sensor 253-1 may sense
the level of the culture medium in the culture medium tank 253 and
may transmit an alarm signal to the control module (not shown) if a
level of the culture medium is less than the reference value. As a
result, when the residual amount of the culture medium stored in
the culture medium tank 253 is less than the reference value, water
may be fed from the water tank 251 and the nutrient solution may be
fed from the nutrient solution tank 252.
[0128] The culture medium tank 253 may be provided with a
concentration sensor 253-2 and a temperature sensor 253-3 whereby
the concentration and temperature of the culture medium can be
sensed. Therefore, according to the present invention, if the
residual amount of the culture medium is less than the reference
value, the control module may receive alarm signals, and then,
firstly control the culture medium module 250 so as to supply water
of the water tank 251 to the culture medium tank 253, followed by
controlling the supply of the nutrient solution of the nutrient
solution tank 252 to the culture medium tank 253 until the
concentration of the culture medium satisfies the reference value.
Controlling the residual amount and the concentration of the
culture medium may be automatically performed by the control
module.
[0129] Further, when the temperature of the culture medium is
different from a reference value, the temperature of the culture
medium may be adjusted to the reference value. To this end, a
separate temperature control device (not shown) may be
provided.
[0130] The water line 254 may be a flow path for water, the
nutrient solution and the culture medium. Specifically, the water
line 254 may include a first water line 254-1, a second water line
254-2, a third water line 254-3 and a fourth water line 254-4.
[0131] The first water line 254-1 may be a line to connect the
water tank 251 and the culture medium tank 253. Water stored in the
water tank 251 may be supplied to the culture medium tank 253
through the first water line 254-1.
[0132] The water tank 251 may be located at a position higher than
the culture medium tank 253. As a result, the water in the water
tank 251 may be supplied to the culture medium tank 253 by
potential energy of the water stored in the water tank 251 without
requiring any additional power. A first valve 256-1 may exist in
the first water line 254-1 to control a flow rate of water fed from
the water tank 251 to the culture medium tank 253. In this case,
the first valve 256-1 is a solenoid valve and may be electronically
controlled by the control module.
[0133] The second water line 254-2 may be a line to connect the
nutrient solution tank 252 and the culture medium tank 253. The
nutrient solution of the nutrient solution tank may be supplied to
the culture medium tank 253 through the second water line 254-2.
The second water line 254-2 may be provided with an electronic flow
rate control device 256-2 which is electronically controlled by the
control module, whereby the flow rate of the nutrient solution fed
from the nutrient solution tank 252 to the culture medium tank 253
can be precisely controlled. Moreover, the second water line 254-2
may also have a second valve 256-3 in addition to the flow rate
control device 256-2, thereby securely preventing excess nutrient
solution of the flow control device 256-2 from being supplied to
the nutrient solution tank 252. In this case, the second valve
256-3 is a solenoid valve and can be electronically controlled by
the control module.
[0134] The third water line 254-3 may be a line to connect the
culture medium tank 253 and the culture medium chamber c of the
tray 220. The culture medium in the culture medium tank 253 may be
supplied to the culture medium chamber c through the third water
line 254-3. Therefore, the third water line 254-3 may be referred
to as a "culture medium feed line".
[0135] The third water line 254-3 may include a filter 256-4, a
pump 256-5 and a third valve 256-6, which are arranged in
sequential order in a direction of feeding the culture medium. In
this regard, the filter 256-4 and the pump 256-5 may be disposed in
the second space s4 of the case 210 at a portion corresponding to
the additional space s2. That is, since the additional space s2 of
the case 210 has a shorter length than that of the cultivation
space of the case 210, a portion of the second space s4
corresponding to the additional space s2 may be longer than a whole
length of the portion corresponding to the cultivation space s1 in
the second space s4 of the case 210.
[0136] Therefore, in consideration of characteristics of products,
the culture medium tank 253, the filter 256-4 and the pump 256-5,
which are to be disposed in a space at a long whole length, may be
provided in the second space s4 of the case 210 at a portion
corresponding to the additional space s2.
[0137] The filter 256-4 may filter the foreign substance in the
culture medium supplied to the culture medium chamber c, thereby
preventing the foreign substance from accumulating in the culture
medium chamber c.
[0138] In the third water line 254-3, the culture medium in the
culture medium tank 253 may move to the culture medium chamber c by
the power of the pump 256-5. On the other hand, a vertical phase of
the culture medium tank 253 may be higher than that of the filter
256-4. As a result, due to a difference in potential energies,
excess water may always be stored in the filter 256-4 and this
excess water in the filter 256-4 may enter the pump 256-5 by the
power of the pump, thereby preventing the pump 256-5 from idling
without the culture medium to cause a mechanical trouble.
[0139] Meanwhile, when a plurality of trays 220 is provided, the
third water line 254-3 may be branched or exist in plural to supply
the culture medium to the plural trays 220.
[0140] To this end, the third water line 254-3 may be branched in
plural to supply the culture medium to each of the plural trays
220, wherein a third valve 256-6 may be disposed at a branched
point of the third water line 254-3. In this case, the third valve
256-6 is a solenoid valve and may be electronically controlled by
the control module. Moreover, the control module may control the
third valve 256-6 in order to independently and sequentially supply
the culture medium to the plural trays 220.
[0141] The third water line 254-3 may be used as a flow path for
supplying the culture medium to the culture medium chamber c of the
tray 220 while being connected to the feed chamber 223-1 of the
tray 220.
[0142] The fourth water line 254-4 may be a line to connect the
culture medium tank 253 and the culture medium chamber c of the
tray 220. The culture medium in the culture medium chamber c may be
discharged to the culture medium tank 253 through the fourth water
line 254-4. Therefore, the fourth water line 254-4 may be referred
to as a "culture medium discharge line".
[0143] The fourth water line 254-4 may be connected to the
discharge channel 223-2 of the tray 220 and used as a flow path for
discharging the culture medium in the culture medium chamber c of
the tray 220.
[0144] The culture medium chamber c of the tray 220 may be located
at a higher position than the culture medium tank 253. Therefore,
the culture medium in the culture medium chamber c may be
discharged to the culture medium tank 253 by potential energy of
the culture medium stored in the culture medium chamber c without
requiring additional power.
[0145] On the other hand, when a plurality of trays 220 is provided
in plural, the fourth water line 254-4 may be branched or exist in
plural so as to discharge the culture medium from each of the
plural trays 220.
[0146] As described above, the culture medium may be fed from the
culture medium tank 253 to the culture medium chamber c of the tray
220 through the third water line 254-3 and may be discharged from
the culture medium chamber c of the tray 220 to the culture medium
tank 253 through the fourth water line 254-4, whereby the culture
medium can circulate between the culture medium tank 253 and the
culture medium chamber c.
[0147] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the culture medium in the
culture medium chamber c may be discharged to the outside. In the
case where only a portion of the culture medium is discharged to
the outside, a separate drain line may be further provided. On the
contrary, if all of the culture medium is discharged to the
outside, the fourth water line 254-4 may be connected to the
outside in order to perform the same function as the drain
line.
[0148] The refill port 255 may be a port through which water and
the culture medium are refilled. The refill port 255 may be located
in the first space s3 of the case 210. The refill port 255 may
include: a first refill channel 255-1 into which water flows; a
second refill channel 255-2 into which the culture medium flows;
and a feed line 255-3 to connect the first refill channel 255-1 and
the water tank 2 while connecting the second refill channel 255-2
and the nutrient solution tank 252. On the other hand, a plurality
of second refill channels 255-2 may be provided in one-to-one
correspondence within the plural nutrient solution tanks 252.
[0149] The air conditioning module 260 may supply external air to
the cultivation space s1. Further, the air conditioning module 260
may change a temperature and/or humidity of the gas in the
cultivation space s1. The air conditioning module 260 may include a
compressor 261, a first heat exchanger 262, a second heat exchanger
263, a blower 264 and an air conditioning line 265.
[0150] A coolant (or refrigerant) may circulate throughout the
compressor 261, the first heat exchanger 262 and the second heat
exchanger 263, and the gas in the cultivation space s1 may
circulate in the cultivation space s1 and the second heat exchanger
263 by a blowing power of the blower 264. Further, the external air
is supplied to the cultivation space s1 through the second heat
exchanger 263 by the blowing power of the blower 264, so as to form
at least a portion of the gas in the cultivation space s1.
[0151] The compressor 261 may be a device for compressing gaseous
refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure. The first heat
exchanger 262 may be a device that condenses the gaseous
refrigerant into low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in a
liquid state by heat exchange (heat radiation) between the
refrigerant compressed at high temperature and high pressure and
the external air. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 262 may be
referred to as a "condenser". The second heat exchanger 263 may be
a device for heating the liquid refrigerant condensed in the
condenser to become a gaseous state. Therefore, the second heat
exchanger 263 may be referred to as an "evaporator". Further, the
gas in the cultivation space s1 and the external air may undergo
heat exchange (cooling) along with the evaporating refrigerant in
the second heat exchanger 263 to be cooled. As a result, the
temperature and/or humidity of the gas in the cultivation space s1
may be changed in a heat exchange process in the second heat
exchanger 263.
[0152] The air conditioning line 265 may be a flow path through
which the refrigerant, the gas in the cultivation space s1 and the
external air flow. The air conditioning line 265 may include a
first air conditioning line 265-1, a second air conditioning line
265-2 and a third air conditioning line 265-3.
[0153] The first air conditioning line 265-1 may be a line to
circulate the refrigerant. The refrigerant may depart the
compressor 261, pass the first heat exchanger 262 and the second
heat exchanger in order, and then return to compressor 261, thereby
completing a circulation. For this purpose, the first air
conditioning line 265-1 may connect the compressor 261 and the
first heat exchanger 262 and further connect the first heat
exchanger 262 and the second heat exchanger 263.
[0154] The second air conditioning line 265-2 may be a line for
supplying the external air into the cultivation space s1 or for
recycling the gas in the cultivation space s1 back to the same.
Meanwhile, the external air introduced into the cultivation space
s1 may form at least a portion of the gas in the cultivation space
s1. Further, the external air and the gas in the cultivation space
s1 may be fed to the cultivation space s1 via the second heat
exchanger 263. In this regard, the gas returned to the cultivation
space s1 as well as the external air may undergo heat exchange with
the refrigerant, thereby altering the temperature and/or the
humidity of the gas in the cultivation space s1.
[0155] To this end, the second air conditioning line 265-2 may
connect the cultivation space s1 and the blower 264. Specifically,
the external air may be fed to the cultivation space s1 by the
power of the blower 265 along the second air conditioning line
265-2, and the gas in the cultivation space s1 may be supplied
again (or returned) to the cultivation space s1. Further, the
second heat exchanger 263 may be disposed in the second air
conditioning line 265-2
[0156] On the other hand, when a plurality of cultivation spaces s1
is provided, the second air conditioning line 265-2 may be branched
or exist in plural so as to supply the external air to the plural
cultivation spaces s1, respectively, or so as to return the gas in
the plural cultivation spaces s1 to the same.
[0157] The third air conditioning line 265-3 may be a line through
which the gas in the cultivation space s1 is discharged. Meanwhile,
the gas in the cultivation space s1 discharged through the third
air conditioning line 265-3 may be discharged to the outside or
introduced again into the cultivation spaces s1 through the second
air conditioning line 265-2. That is, at least a portion of the gas
in the cultivation space s1 may be discharged from the cultivation
space s1 and then returned to the cultivation space s1, thereby
performing circulation.
[0158] To this end, the third air conditioning line 265-3 may
connect the cultivation space s1 and the blower 264. Specifically,
the gas in the cultivation space s1 may be discharged to the
outside through an open portion of the blower 264 or the gas in the
cultivation space s1 may be re-fed to the cultivation space s1 by
the power of the blower 264.
[0159] On the other hand, when a plurality of cultivation spaces s1
is provided, the third air conditioning line 265-3 may be branched
or exist in plural to discharge the gas in the plural cultivation
spaces s1, respectively.
[0160] The sensor module 270 may be a module to sense the plural
capsules 100 and generate "sensing information". In this regard,
the "sensing information" may include "species information" for
species of each of the plural capsules 100, as well as
"accommodation information" for states of the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1.
[0161] For this purpose, the sensor module 270 may be provided with
various means for recognizing the plural capsules 100. For example,
when radio frequency identification (RFID) method is used as a
wireless recognition method for a plurality of capsules 100, the
sensor module 270 may be a "reader" for recognizing the recognition
unit 120 of the capsule 100.
[0162] In this regard, the sensor module 270 may include: an
"integrated circuit (IC) chip" for receiving the "sensing
information"" of the capsule 100; a "wireless communication unit"
for wireless communication with the user device 330 and/or the
server 400; and a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the "IC
chip" and the "wireless communication unit" are mounted. The PCB
may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).
[0163] Further, a variety of sensing methods may be used for
recognition of the capsule 100. For example, there is a method of
recognizing inherent magnetic field generated by the capsule 100
using a hall sensor. In this case, the sensor module 270 may
include: a hall sensor for sensing a magnetic field generated in
the recognition unit 120 of the capsule 100; a "wireless
communication unit (e.g., an antenna)" for wireless communication
with the user device 300 and/or the server 400; and a printed
circuit board (PCB) on which a "Hall IC chip" and the "wireless
communication unit" are mounted. The PCB may be a flexible printed
circuit board (FPCB).
[0164] Meanwhile, the "wireless communication unit" may perform
wireless communication with the user device 300 by at least one of
Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Zigbee and Z-wave
modes. Therefore, the "sensing information" of the sensor module
270 can be transmitted to the user device 300.
[0165] Further, the sensor module 270 may be electrically connected
to the control module (not shown) to perform wired or wireless
communication. Therefore, the sensor module 270 can transmit the
"sensing information" to the control module.
[0166] The sensor module 270 may be disposed on the bottom surface
of the upper plate 211 of the tray 220. In this case, the sensor
module 270 may be disposed such that it does not overlap with the
plural capsule accommodation parts 211-1 in a vertical direction
(up and down direction).
[0167] The sensor unit 280 may be a member that generates diverse
information to determine whether the "glare occurring condition" is
established. Further, information generated by the sensor unit 280
may be transmitted to the control module (not shown) and the
control unit may use this information (generated by the sensor unit
280) in order to determine whether the "glare occurring condition"
is established. In this case, the "glare occurring condition" may
mean a condition in which the user feels glare or the user's eyes
are damaged by the light emitted from the light source module
230.
[0168] Further, the "glare occurring condition" may include: a
"first glare occurring condition" in which the user approaches the
door 212 of the case 210 (see FIG. 11(1)); a "second glare
occurring condition" in which the user contacts the door 212 of the
case 210 (see FIG. 11(2)); and a "third glare occurring condition"
in which the door 212 of the case 210 is opened (see FIG. 11(3)).
Herein, the situation where the user approaches the door 212 of the
case 210 is not limited to a situation where the user moves toward
the door 212 of the case 210, and would be determined as a concept
including a situation where the user is stopped and located near
the door 212 of the case 210 (within a predetermined radial range
with respect to the door of the case). Further, the situation where
the user contacts the door 212 of the case 210 may include, for
example, a situation where the user grips a handle of the door 212
of the case 210 in order to open the door 212 of the case 210,
without limitation thereto. In addition, the situation where the
door 212 of the case 2100 is opened may include a situation where
the door 212 of the case 210 is pulled and opened by the user, and
may also be determined as a concept including a situation where the
door is opened by other naturally occurring external force.
[0169] Meanwhile, the sensor unit 280 may include: a first sensor
unit 281 for generating various information to determine whether
the "first glare occurring condition" is established; a second
sensor unit 282 for generating various information to determine
whether the "second glare occurring condition" is established; and
a third sensor unit 283 for generating various information to
determine whether the "third glare occurring condition" is
established.
[0170] The first sensor unit 281 may be disposed on the upper left
side of a front surface of the door 212 of the case 210. Different
sensors may be used for the first sensor unit 281. For example, the
first sensor unit 281 may be an infrared sensor to sense a location
of the user, but not being limited thereto. When the first sensor
unit 281 is the infrared sensor, the first sensor unit 281 may
sense the location of the user and generate "user location
information".
[0171] The second sensor unit 282 may be disposed on the handle of
the door 212 of the case 210. Different sensors may be used for the
second sensor unit 232. For example, the second sensor unit 282 may
be a contact type load sensor to determine application of pressure,
but not being limited thereto. When the second sensor unit 282 is a
load sensor, the second sensor unit 282 may sense pressure applied
to the door 212 of the case 210 (the pressure generated when the
user grips the handle of the door of the case), and then generate
"door pressure information".
[0172] The third sensor unit 283 may be disposed on a lateral side
of the door 212 of the case 210. Different sensors may be used for
the third sensor unit 283. For example, the third sensor unit 283
may be an acceleration sensor to sense a direction and speed of
motion of an object, but not being limited thereto. In fact,
various sensors including a gyro sensor for determining the posture
of an object may also be used as the third sensor unit 283. When
the third sensor unit 283 is an acceleration sensor, the third
sensor unit 283 may sense the direction and speed of motion of the
door 212 of the case 210 when the door 212 of the case 210 is
opened, and then, generate "door motion information".
[0173] The plant cultivation device 200 may be operated in the
"automatic control mode" and the "customizing control mode". The
"automatic control mode" may be an operation mode for controlling
the light source module 230, the culture medium module 250 and the
air conditioning module 260 according to the "sensing information"
in the control module, while the "customizing control mode" may be
an operation mode in which the user can set control values in
regard to the light source module 230, the culture medium module
250 and the air conditioning module 260 using the user device 300
or the like, whereby the light source module 230, the culture
medium module 250 and the air conditioning module 260 can be
controlled by the same.
[0174] The control module (not shown) may be a module that receives
the "sensing information" from the sensor module 270 and controls
the plant cultivation device 200. The control module may control
the light source module 230, the culture medium module 250 and the
air conditioning module 260 using the "sensing information".
[0175] In other words, the control module may use "species
information" for species of the plural capsules 100 and
"accommodation information" for states of the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1 (active or inactive state, arrangement of
the plural capsules 100 in the plural capsule accommodation parts)
in order to control the light source module 230, the culture medium
module 250 and the air conditioning module 260.
[0176] The control module may control the light source module 230
according to the "species information" so as to change illumination
of the cultivation space s1 (illumination intensity control). That
is, the plant cultivation device 200 of the present invention may
change the illumination environment by reflecting different and
various species in the plural capsules 100. For example, the
control module may control the light source module 230 using the
"species information" such that an illumination value of the
cultivation space s1 becomes an average of desirable illumination
values of the plural capsules 100. In this case, the desirable
value of each capsule 100 differs depending on species of each of
the plural capsules 100, and may be a predetermined illumination
value for the plants to desirably grow under photosynthesis
action.
[0177] Further, the control module may control the light source
module 230 according to the "accommodation information", thereby
independently controlling a plurality of lamp groups in the light
source module 230 (illumination zoning control). That is, the
control module may turn on one or more lamp groups corresponding to
the capsule accommodation part in an active state (the capsule
accommodation part on which at least one capsule is accommodated)
among the plural lamp groups, while turning off at least one lamp
group corresponding to the capsule accommodation part in an
inactive state (the capsule accommodation part on which at least
one capsule is not accommodated) among the plural lamp groups.
[0178] Further, the control module may control the light source
module 230 by reflecting the change of natural light (illumination
dimming control). As shown in FIG. 9, the illumination of natural
light is changed over time during the day (sunrise and sunset of
the sun), with a first section in which illumination increases
sharply, a second section in which illumination is slightly
changed, a third section in which illumination decreases sharply,
and a fourth section in which illumination becomes zero (0).
Further, a variation in illumination due to natural light differs
slightly depending on the season, however, may involve the first
section, the second section, the third section and the fourth
section as described above on average. Further, the third section
may be divided into a 3-1 section in which the illumination sharply
decreases and a 3-2 section in which the illumination gradually
decreases.
[0179] According to the present invention, the light source module
230 may be controlled to respond to a change of natural light,
thereby realizing a light environment similar to the natural
environment.
[0180] For instance, as shown in FIG. 10, the control module may
control the light source module 230 such that the light module
sequentially changes light in a first dimming mode, a second
dimming mode, a third dimming mode and a fourth dimming mode at a
predetermined cycle. In this case, the first dimming mode, the
second dimming mode, the third dimming mode and the fourth dimming
mode may be repeatedly changed in sequential order in a cycle of
one day.
[0181] Herein, the first dimming mode may be a mode in which the
first section of natural light is inferred and applied. Likewise,
the second dimming mode may be a mode in which the second section
of natural light is inferred and applied, the third dimming mode
may be a mode in which the third section of natural light is
inferred and applied, and the fourth dimming mode may be a mode in
which the fourth section of natural light is inferred and
applied.
[0182] Meanwhile, there are various aspects in optical design.
Although each section of the natural light may not be perfectly
matched to each of the dimming modes due to simplification of the
illumination control, the first to fourth dimming modes satisfy the
following conditions, thereby embodying an illumination environment
similar to the natural light.
[0183] Illumination of the cultivation space s1 may increase in the
first dimming mode, while being decreased in the third dimming
mode. Further, an average value of variation in illumination of the
cultivation space s1 in the second dimming mode ("second average
value") and an average value of variation in illumination of the
cultivation space s1 in the fourth dimming mode ("fourth average
value") may be smaller than an average value of variation in
illumination of the cultivation space s1 in the first dimming mode
("first average value") and an average value of variation in
illumination of the cultivation space s1 in the third dimming mode
("third average value"). Herein, the variation in illumination may
mean an absolute value of illumination changed in unit time.
[0184] In other words, the first dimming mode may sharply increase
the illumination of the cultivation space s1 to correspond to the
first section, while the third dimming mode may sharply decrease
the illumination of the cultivation space s1 to correspond to the
third section. As a result, the variation in illumination of the
cultivation space s1 in both the first dimming mode and the third
dimming mode is dominant, whereas the variation in illumination of
the cultivation space s1 in the second dimming mode and the fourth
dimming mode may be relatively insignificant.
[0185] Further, a time required for the first dimming mode may be
30 minutes or longer and 2 hours or shorter. Further, a time
required for the third dimming mode may be 1 hour or longer and 5
hours or shorter.
[0186] Further, as shown in FIG. 10(1), the illumination of the
cultivation space s1 may be substantially maintained constant in
the second dimming mode, and the light source module 230 is turned
off in the fourth dimming mode so that the illumination of the
cultivation space s1 may become zero (0).
[0187] Further, as shown in FIG. 10(2), the time required for the
first dimming mode may be shorter than that for the third dimming
mode since the time required for the first section of natural light
is shorter than that for the third section of natural light.
[0188] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10(3), the illumination of the
cultivation space s1 may increase even in the second dimming mode.
However, as described above, the second average value of variation
in illumination of the cultivation space s1 in the second dimming
mode may be smaller than the first average value of variation in
illumination of the cultivation space s1 in the first dimming mode
and the third average value of variation in illumination of the
cultivation space s1 in the third dimming mode.
[0189] Further, as shown in FIG. 10(4), in consideration of the 3-1
section and 3-2 section of natural light, the third dimming mode
may be divided into a 3-1 dimming mode in which the illumination of
the cultivation space s1 sharply decreases, and a 3-2 dimming mode
in which illumination of the illumination of the cultivation
gradually decreases. That is, a variation in illumination of the
cultivation space s1 in the 3-1 dimming mode may be greater than a
variation in illumination of the cultivation space s1 in the 3-2
dimming mode. In this case, the 3-1 dimming mode may be performed
before the 3-2 dimming mode.
[0190] The control module may control the culture medium module 250
according to the "species information" so as to change a
concentration of the culture medium supplied to the culture medium
chamber c of the tray 220 (concentration control). Specifically,
the plant cultivation device 200 of the present invention may vary
the water environment by reflecting various and different species
of the plural capsules 100. For example, the control module may use
the "species information" and control the culture medium module 250
such that the concentration of the culture medium fed to the
culture medium chamber c of the tray 200 becomes an average of
desirable concentrations of the culture media in the plural
capsules 100. In this regard, the desirable concentration of the
culture medium in each of the plural capsules 100 differs depending
on species of the plural capsules 100 and may be a concentration of
the culture medium determined to allow the plant to fully absorb
water and nutrients of the culture medium and thus perfectly grow
up.
[0191] Further, the control module may control the culture medium
module 250 according to the "species information" so as to change a
feed cycle of the culture medium supplied to the culture medium
chamber c of the tray 220 (cycle control). Specifically, the plant
cultivation device 200 of the present invention may change the
water environment by reflecting various and different species of
the plural capsules 100. For example, the control module may use
the "species information" and control the culture medium module 250
such that a feed cycle of the culture medium supplied to the
culture medium chamber c of the tray 220 becomes an average value
of desirable feed cycles of the culture media in the plural
capsules 100. In this case, the desirable feed cycle of the culture
medium in each of the plural capsules 100 differs depending on
species of the plural capsules 100 and may be a feed cycle of the
culture medium determined to allow the plant to fully absorb water
and nutrients of the culture medium and thus perfectly grow up.
[0192] Further, the control module may control the culture medium
module 250 according to the "species information" so as to change a
feed amount of the culture medium supplied to the culture medium
chamber c of the tray 220 (feed amount control). Specifically, the
plant cultivation device 200 of the present invention may change
the water environment by reflecting various and different species
of the plural capsules 100. For example, the control module may use
the "species information" and control the culture medium module 250
such that a feed amount of the culture medium supplied to the
culture medium chamber c of the tray 220 becomes an average value
of desirable feed amounts of the culture media in the plural
capsules 100. In this case, the desirable feed amount of the
culture medium in each of the plural capsules 100 differs depending
on species of the plural capsules 100 and may be a feed amount of
the culture medium determined to allow the plant to fully absorb
water and nutrients of the culture medium and thus perfectly grow
up.
[0193] Further, the control module may control the air conditioning
module 260 according to the "species information" so as to change a
temperature and/or humidity of the gas in the cultivation space s1
(control of temperature and/or humidity). Specifically, the plant
cultivation device 200 of the present invention may change weather
environment by reflecting various and different species of the
plural capsules 100. For example, the control module may use the
"species information" and control the air conditioning module 250
such that a temperature and/or humidity of the gas in the
cultivation space s1 becomes an average value of desirable
temperature and/or humidity of the plural capsules 100. In this
case, the desirable temperature and/or humidity of each of the
plural capsules 100 differs depending on species of the plural
capsules 100 and may be a temperature and/or humidity of air
determined according to weather conditions to allow the plant to
perfectly grow up.
[0194] Meanwhile, the control module may determine the "glare
occurring condition" and control the light source module 23. That
is, in order to protect the eyes of a user, the control module may
control the light source module 230 such that a light output amount
under the condition, in which a glare phenomenon may occur or the
user's eyes may be damaged, is lower than that in the normal
condition or turned off.
[0195] In this regard, the "glare occurring condition" may include:
a first glare occurring condition in which the user approaches the
door 212 of the case 210 (see FIG. 11(1), a concept including the
condition in which the user approaches the door of the case and
then stays for a predetermined time); a second glare occurring
condition in which the user contacts the door 212 of the case 210
(see FIG. 11(2); and a third glare occurring condition in which the
door 212 of the case 210 is opened (see FIG. 11(3)).
[0196] In this regard, the "normal condition" may mean a condition
in which the "glare occurring condition" does not occur. In the
"normal condition", the control module may control the light source
module 230 according to the "sensing condition" of the sensor
module 270.
[0197] In this regard, the "light output amount" may use different
definitions of brightness. For example, the "light output amount"
may mean a light intensity, luminous flux, luminance of light
emitted from the light source module 230, etc.
[0198] In the "glare occurring condition", the control module may
receive various information from the sensor unit 280 and use the
same to determine whether the "glare occurring condition" is
established, thereby reducing the light output amount of the light
source module 230 or turning off the light source module 230 to
control the same.
[0199] For example, the control module may receive "user location
information" from the first sensor unit 281 and then determine
whether the first glare occurring condition is established using
the "user location information". Therefore, if the first glare
occurring condition is established, the light source module 230 may
be controlled such that the light output amount is lower than in
the normal condition or turned off.
[0200] Further, the control module may receive "door pressure
information" from the second sensor unit 282 and then determine
whether the second glare occurring condition is established using
the "door pressure information". Therefore, if the second glare
occurring condition is established, the light source module 230 may
be controlled such that the light output amount is lower than in
the normal condition or turned off.
[0201] Further, the control module may receive "door motion
information" from the third sensor unit 283 and then determine
whether the third glare occurring condition is established using
the "door motion information". Therefore, if the third glare
occurring condition is established, the light source module 230 may
be controlled such that the light output amount is lower than in
the normal condition or turned off.
[0202] However, the present invention is not limited to the above
configurations, and the control unit may receive diverse
information from the sensor unit 280 other than the above described
"user location information", "door pressure information" and "door
motion information" and use the same in order to determine the
"glare occurring condition".
[0203] For example, a magnet may be provided in any one of the main
body 211 of the case 210 and the door 212 of the case 210, and the
other one may be provided with a sensing means for sensing magnetic
force of the magnet. That is, the third sensor unit 283 may
generate the "door motion information" using the magnetic
force.
[0204] On the other hand, the control module may independently
control the plurality of lamp groups even under the "glare
occurring condition". For example, as shown in FIG. 12, under the
glare occurring condition, the control module may control the light
output amount to be lower than that in the normal condition or turn
off the same in regard to only some lamp groups of the plural lamp
groups. In this regard, the lamp groups (to be controlled) among
the plural lamp groups may be located adjacent to the door 212 of
the case 210 than the other lamp groups of the plural lamp
groups.
[0205] In other words, the control module may control only the lamp
groups located in a front direction, which are likely to cause
damage to the eyes of the user, among the plural lamp groups,
whereby continuity of the illumination environment in the "normal
condition" can be maintained by the other lamp groups.
[0206] Meanwhile, as described above, the plural lamps 232 may be
grouped according to the wavelength band. In this regard, a second
lamp group to emit light at a red wavelength band and a third lamp
group to emit light at a blue wavelength band may be more harmful
to the user's eyes than a first lamp group to emit light at a white
wavelength band.
[0207] Therefore, under the "glare occurring condition", the
control module may control at least one of the second lamp group
and the third lamp group to have a lower light output amount than
that in the "normal condition" or to be turned off. Further, the
control module may control the first lamp group under the "glare
occurring condition" to have a lower light output amount than that
in the "normal condition", while turning off the second lamp group
and the third lamp group, simultaneously.
[0208] Meanwhile, the control module may receive the "photographed
image" from the camera module 240 and generate "plant growth
information". For example, the control module analyzes the
"photographed image" of the camera module 240 to calculate a leaf
area of the plant grown in each of the plural capsules 100,
followed by matching the leaf area of the plant with a plant growth
stage using the "species information", whereby the "plant growth
information" for each of the plural capsules 100 may be produced.
On the other hand, the control module may wirelessly communicate
with the user device 300 by the "wireless communication unit" to
deliver the "plant growth information" for each of the plural
capsules 100. In this case, the "wireless communication unit" of
the control module may be separately provided in the control module
or, otherwise, the "wireless communication unit" of the sensor
module 270 may be utilized as the "wireless communication unit" of
the control module.
[0209] In this case, the control module may control the light
source module 230 according to the "wireless communication unit"
(growth illumination control). The purpose of this configuration is
to reflect increase in leaf area of the plant as the plant growth
progresses. To this end, the control module may independently
control a plurality of constitutional lamps (lamps constituting the
lamp group) according to the "plant growth information" in each of
the plural lamp groups.
[0210] For example, among the plural lamps, some lamps having the
same mutually-facing capsule accommodation parts among the plural
capsule accommodation parts 221-1 are grouped (zoning control in
basic unit of one capsule accommodation part). In regard to each of
one or more lamp groups among the plural lamp groups, which
corresponds to the capsule accommodation part in an active state,
when a leaf area of the plant is narrow (initial stage of plant
growth), the constitutional lamps adjacent to the center part in a
plan view among a plurality of constitutional lamps in each of one
or more lamp groups may be turned on, while the constitutional
lamps adjacent to the periphery part in the plant view may be
turned off (see FIG. 13(1)). On the other hand, when the leaf area
of the plant is wide (middle and last stages of growth of the plant
in the lamp group), all of the plurality of constitutional lamps in
each of one or more lamp groups may be turned on (see FIG.
13(2)).
[0211] In addition, the control module may simultaneously perform
at least two of "illumination intensity control", "illumination
zoning control" and "illumination growth control" of the light
source module 230. Specifically, the control module may control the
light source module 230 using at least two of "species
information", "accommodation information" and "plant growth
information" or, otherwise, the control module may use at least one
of "species information", "accommodation information" and "plant
growth information" and control the light source module 230 such
that the first dimming mode, the second dimming mode, the third
dimming mode and the fourth dimming mode are sequentially repeated
at a predetermined cycle.
[0212] For example, the control module may control illumination of
the cultivation space s1 (illumination zoning control)
corresponding to each of the lamp groups which correspond to the
capsule accommodation part in an active state such that the above
illumination becomes an average value of desirable illuminations of
the plural capsules (illumination intensity control) and, at the
same time, may independently control a plurality of constitutional
lamps according to "plant growth information" in each lamp group
corresponding to the capsule accommodation part in an active state
(illumination growth control). Further, the control module may
control the light source module 230 such that sequential changes
between the first dimming mode, the second dimming mode, the third
dimming mode and the fourth dimming mode are repeated at a
predetermined cycle (illumination dimming control).
[0213] The user device 300 may be a device for communicating with
the plant cultivation device 200 to receive "sensing information",
"photographed image" and "growth information" from the plant
cultivation device 200 or to transmit a "control signal" to the
plant cultivation device 200 by the user's operation, thereby
controlling the plant cultivation device 200.
[0214] The user device 300 may include, but is not limited to, at
least one of a telecommunication device such as a smart phone,
tablet PC, PDA, laptop computer or the like, or a remote
controller.
[0215] To this end, the user device 300 may wirelessly communicate
with the cameral module 240 of the plant cultivation device 200,
with the sensor module 270 of the plant cultivation device 200, and
with the control module (not shown) of the plant cultivation device
200. In this regard, at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra
Wide Band), Zigbee and Z-wave communication may be used as a
communication method.
[0216] Meanwhile, the "sensing information", "photographed image",
"growth information" and "control signal" may be directly
communicated between the user device 300 and the plant cultivation
device 200 by near-field communication, otherwise, may be delivered
between the user device 300 and the plant cultivation device 200
via the server 400 by long distance communication.
[0217] The user device 300 may provide a cultivation information
image 310 using the "sensing information", "photographed image" and
"growth information". For example, if the user device 300 is a
"smartphone", a graphical user interface (GUI) including the
cultivation information image 310 may be provided through
applications (App) installed in the "smartphone" (App list
provided).
[0218] Hereinafter, a method for providing cultivation information
image 310 through the user device 300 will be described. The method
of providing cultivation information may include: receiving at
least one of "sensing information", "photographed image" and
"growth information" in the user device 300 from the plant
cultivation device 200; and using the "sensing information",
"photographed image" and "growth information" so as to provide the
cultivation information image 310.
[0219] The cultivation information image 310 may be converted into
a photographing information image 320 or a first-detailed
information image 330, and the first-detailed information image 300
may be converted into a second-detailed information image 340 or
provide a link to an open market web site 350. The cultivation
information image 310, the photographing information image 320, the
first-detailed information image 330, the second-detailed
information image 340 and the open market web site 350 may be
provided in the form of an app list.
[0220] The cultivation information image 310 may include a
plurality of plant icons 311, a first selection icon 312, a second
selection icon 313 and a third selection icon 314, which are
displayed in the cultivation information image 310. Further, a
thermometer, a hygrometer, a barometer and the like may be disposed
in the plant cultivation device 200, and the user device 300 may
receive the temperature, humidity and air pressure of the
cultivation space s1 transmitted from the plant cultivation device
200. In this case, the temperature, humidity, pressure and the like
of the cultivation space s1 may be displayed in the cultivation
information image 310 in real time.
[0221] A plurality of plant icons 311 may be generated using the
"sensing information" and the "growth information". On the other
hand, the user device 300 may produce the plurality of plant icons
311 only using the "sensing information".
[0222] The plural plant icons 311 may be in one-to-one
correspondence with the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-1,
respectively. Specifically, the plural plant icons 311 may be
arranged to correspond to the plural capsule accommodation parts
211-1. For example, the plural plant icons 311 may be arranged
along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns as with the
plural capsule accommodation parts 211-1. On the other hand, the
"sensing information (accommodation information)" may be used to
represent arrangement of the plural plant icons 311.
[0223] Further, the plural plant icons 311 may have an "active
state (state in which capsules are accommodated)" and an "inactive
state (state in which no capsule is accommodated)" in order to
correspond to the state of the plural capsule accommodation parts
221-1.
[0224] In this regard, the plant icon having the active state among
the plural plant icons 311 may be determined according to at least
one of the plant species, the cultivation period and the growth
stage. That is, the plant icons in an active state among the plural
plant icons 311 may be different in design depending on at least
one of plant species, cultivation period and growth stage.
Alternatively, among the plural plant icons 311, the plant icons in
an inactive state may have the same design.
[0225] For example, the plant icon in an active state among the
plural plant icons 311 may have different background color, icon
shape (the number of leaves, etc.) and icon size depending on the
"sensing information (species information, accommodation
information) and the "growth information". In this case, the plant
species may be determined through the "species information", the
cultivation period may be determined through the "accommodation
information", and a growth stage may be determined through the
"growth information".
[0226] Further, in the case where the "growth information" is not
utilized, the growth stage may be determined after induction of the
species and the cultivation period through the "sensing information
(species information, accommodation information)".
[0227] Meanwhile, among the plurality of plant icons 311, the plant
icon without an active state may have monochromatic background
color and various designs such as "EMPTY", etc. and, in case of
plural icons, they may have the same design.
[0228] The user may select one of the plural trays 220 through the
first selection icon 312 (operation, touch, click, etc.). In this
case, the cultivation information image 310 may display the plural
plant icons 311 corresponding to the tray selected from the plural
trays 220 through the first selection icon 312.
[0229] In other words, the cultivation information image 310 may be
converted to display a plurality of plant icons 311 corresponding
to the plural capsule accommodation parts 221-2, which are formed
on the tray selected from the plural trays 220 by the first
selection icon 312. For example, the user may convert the plural
plant icons 311 corresponding to the plural capsule accommodation
parts 221-1, which are accommodated on a first tray, into the
plural plant icons 311 corresponding to the plural capsule
accommodation parts 221-1, which are accommodated on a second tray,
through the first selection icon 312 (operation, touch, click,
etc.).
[0230] The user may convert the cultivation information image 310
into the photographing information image 320 through the second
selection icon 313. The photographing information image 320 may be
a photographed image of the plural accommodation parts 221-1
obtained by the camera module 240, and the user can receive a
live-view image of the cultivation space s1 in real time.
[0231] The user may select one of "automatic control mode" and
"customizing control mode" as an operation mode of the plant
cultivation device 200 through the third selection icon 314.
[0232] The user may convert the cultivation information image 310
into the first-detailed information image 330 through the plant
icon selected from the plant icons in an active state among the
plural plant icons 311 (operation, touch, click, etc.).
[0233] In other words, the user may select one of the plant icons
in an active state among the plural plant icons 311, thereby
intensively acquiring detailed information thereon.
[0234] The first detailed information image 330 may display a
cultivation grade icon 331, a maturity graph 332, a fourth
selection icon 333 and an open market link icon 334, which
correspond to the plant icons selected from the plant icons in an
active state among the plural plant icons 311.
[0235] The cultivation grade icon 331 may be determined using
"species information", "accommodation information (inducing a
cultivation period)" and "growth information". The cultivation
grade may be determined as a growth grade matching with the "growth
information" which is given to specific species of plant in unit
cultivation period. The user may determine whether the cultivated
plant has been matured as a good plant through the cultivation
grade icon 331, and therefore, the user may eventually be developed
as a cultivating expert by receiving the feedback.
[0236] The maturity graph 332 may have the form of a bar ratio
graph. In the maturity graph 352, the growth stage may be expressed
as a ratio based on the cultivation period.
[0237] The user may convert the first detailed information image
333 into the second detailed information image 340 through the
fourth selection icon 333 (operation, touch, click, etc.). The
second detailed information image 340 may display a cultivation
information script 341 corresponding to the plant icon selected
from the plant icons in an active state among the plural plant
icons 311. The cultivation information script 341 may concretely
describe a specification of species, cultivation conditions, and
the like, in regard to the plant icon selected from the plant icons
in an active state among the plural plant icons 311.
[0238] The user may receive a link to the open market web site
through the open market link icon 334 (operation, touch, click,
etc.). In the Open Magazine web site 350, a capsule containing
species corresponding to the selected plant icon of the plant icons
in an active state among the plural plant icons 311 may be
purchased.
[0239] As described above, the method according to an embodiment of
the present invention may be implemented as a program (or
application) to be executed in combination with a computer as
hardware, and then, stored in a medium.
[0240] In order for the computer to read the program and execute
the methods implemented according to the program, the
above-described program may include a code encoded in a computer
language such as C, C++, JAVA, machine language, etc., which can be
read by a processor of the computer (CPU) through a device
interface of the computer. Such code may include a functional code
related to a mathematical function or the like that defines
necessary functions for executing the above methods, and may
further include a control code related to an execution procedure
necessary for the computer processor in order to execute the
functions in a predetermined procedure. Further, such code may
further include a memory reference-related code in regard to any
location (address) of internal or external memory of the computer,
at which additional information or media required for the computer
processor to execute the functions should be referred to. Further,
when the computer processor needs to communicate with any other
computer or server at a long distance in order to execute the
functions, the code may further include communication-related
codes, in particular, for determining how to communicate with any
other computer or server remotely using the communication module of
the computer, what information or media should be transmitted or
received during communication, and the like.
[0241] The medium to be stored is not a medium for storing data for
a short time such as a register, a cache, a memory, etc., but
refers to a medium for semi-permanently storing data which is
readable by a device. Specifically, the storage medium may include,
for example, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical
data storage, and the like, but are not limited thereto. That is,
the program may be stored in different recording media on various
servers to which the computer can access, or in different recording
media on the user's computer. In addition, the medium may be
distributed in a network-connected computer system whereby
computer-readable codes may be stored in a distribution manner.
[0242] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the present invention can be implemented in other
practical forms without alteration of technical idea or essential
features of the invention by those skilled in the art to which the
present invention pertains. Therefore, it should be understood that
the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and
not restrictive.
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